Oct. 22 airpower summary: Tankers give gas to go

  • Published
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) --  Coalition airpower integrated with coalition ground forces in Iraq and International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Oct. 22, according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.

In Afghanistan, a Royal Air Force GR-7 Harrier launched an enhanced Paveway II munition against a compound harboring enemy personnel who posed an imminent danger to friendly forces southwest of Kabul. The on-scene joint terminal attack controller confirmed the mission was successful.

French Mirage-2000s targeted vehicles transporting enemy personnel near Kabul with guided bomb unit-12s. The GBU-12s successfully hit and destroyed the targets. The mission was assessed as successful.

An Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle dispensed flares during a show of force to deter enemy activity in Jalez. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

During close-air support in Qalat, an Air Force B1-B Lancer conducted a show force using  flares to deter hostile threats. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

A show of force was provided by an RAF GR-9 Harrier over a known ambush route as friendly forces traveled through Qalat. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

During an engagement in Gereshk, ground troops requested an air strike which a nearby GR-7 provided using rockets to subdue indirect fire by hostile combatants. The JTAC confirmed the strike successful.

During the same mission in Gereshk, the GR-7 conducted a show of force over a hostile area which enemy combatants were known to operate. The JTAC declared the mission was successful.

In total, 31 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.

Ten Air Force and RAF intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

In Iraq, an RAF GR-4 Tornado demonstrated a show of force in Samarra to deter enemy activity. The JTAC confirmed the mission was successful.

In total, coalition aircraft flew 51 close-air-support missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist activities.

Twenty-one Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two RAF aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.

Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.

Approximately 140 airlift sorties were flown, 306 tons of cargo were delivered and 3,537 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 12,400 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.

Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, and Japan flew in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.

On Oct. 21, Air Force, French and RAF aerial refueling crews flew 40 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 175 receiving aircraft.